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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2018)
2 • The Southwest Portland Post NEWS February 2018 Design plans for light rail line in limbo due to delays in the funding process SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR PLAN By Erik Vidstrand The Southwest Portland Post The Southwest Corridor commu- nity advisory committee gathered in mid-January at the Multnomah Arts Center. Neighbors and business owners packed the small classroom and provided brief public comments before the committee was briefed on the latest updates. Southwest Trails president Don Baack was one those who comment- ed. He had emailed the committee about a scenario if highway tolls on Interstate 5 become a reality. “If this happens,” Baack said, “con- gestion may increase on Barbur Bou- levard and push increased overflow traffic in to the Hillsdale community. This will affect the light rail project no doubt.” Chris Ford, Metro project manager, did acknowledge the anxiety and that design plans are in limbo due to delays in the funding process. Ford explained that there would not be a $1.7 billion transportation bond measure on the 2018 ballot sponsored by TriMet. Instead, the lead would now be Metro and the regional government would introduce a November 2020 bond measure. “This does not affect decisions or our process,” Ford said, “however, this committee will most likely wrap up by summer.” Linda Moholt, representing Tu- alatin Chamber of Commerce, asked what happens if voters reject the measure to fund the corridor. Ford said that the feds could say no to the project even if the bond passes. “Construction would now poten- tially begin in 2023 instead of 2021,” Ford said, “with opening of the line by 2027.” Ford reminded everyone that the previous MAX lines each endured a 20-year process. Staff then introduced Heather Wills, a consultant with Parametrix, a multidisciplinary agency that provides services in transportation, environmental planning, and com- munity building. Wills spent the rest of the evening providing the com- mittee with the various topics of the federally-required environmental re- view process which produce a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. “The National Environmental Policy Act [enacted in 1970] holds federal agencies accountable for their actions,” Wills said. “Before this act, there was no opportunity for the public to comment on large infrastructure projects.” Wills explained that when In- terstate 5 was built in Portland, it divided communities in Portland and there was no community in- volvement. “The DEIS is a decision tool,” said Wills. “Preferences are value-based like bike paths, sidewalks, and wet- lands. The final document will be Subscribe to The Post and help us keep the presses rolling Get The Southwest Portland Post delivered to your mailbox every month and help support your local newspaper at the same time. Why not send a subscription to a friend or relative. Makes a great gift! Mail us a check or money order or call 503-244-6933 with your credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. February Subscription Special One year (12 monthly issues)........................ $18.00 (reg. $24) Two years (24 monthly issues) ...................... $32.00 (reg. $42) Three years (36 monthly issues) ................... $42.00 (reg. $72) Please send check or money order to: Subscriptions, The Southwest Portland Post, 4207 SE Woodstock Blvd #509, Portland, OR 97206. Name Address City/State/Zip Phone E-mail a 150-page document with appendices.” Wills explained that the analysis will look at air quality, geology, and soils including seis- mic vulnerabilities. The statement is expected to take into account the entire project footprint including land needed to store supplies and equipment. “Land use will be re- viewed within half a mile of the route,” Wills said. “This includes look- ing at parks, trails, access to trails, schools, and community gardens.” A committee member asked if there would be Ecosystem surveys were conducted last year assessing zoning changes. soil, wetlands, and geology in planning for the future “It would be trans- light rail line. (Photo courtesy of Metro) ferred to a transporta- tion conversion land-use seniors, people with disabilities, and zone,” Wills said. property and home displacements. Other items being considered are Wills said specific issues cannot be hazardous materials, ecosystems solved for each displacement, though, including fish, endangered species, and will be aggregated with all the wetlands, culverts, steams, and water necessary displacements. runoff. Utilities will need relocation. Ford explained next steps. The statement will address rider “The good news is that you are go- forecasts until 2035, bicycle-pedes- ing to get a lot of information.” Ford trian connections, freight routes, said. “The bad news is that you are and emergency response. It is also going to get a lot of information.” expected to address noise sources Ford said the advisory committee’s such as wheel squeal, track crossings, role is to recommend the route and warning bells, the actual train, and the locally preferred alternative, but vibration. not station locations. “Noise is also measured during “There could be other committees construction,” Wills said. “Builders to sit on down the line,” said Eryn will disclose construction hours.” Kehe, Metro senior communications Wills explained visual quality, specialist who facilitates each meet- viewer sensitivity, safety, and secu- ing. rity components including areas of Metro and TriMet will complete the isolation and crime. draft environmental impact statement “The DEIS also looks at dispropor- in the next few months. Comments on tionate impacts on low-income and the study and the route proposal can minority communities,” Wills said. be shared at meetings, online, email, “The Federal Transit Administration or through letters once the 45-day wants to have a robust review of en- comment period begins. vironmental justice issues.” After comments are collected, the Finally, the impact on the com- munity analysis will take in mind (Continued on Page 6) Celebrating 25 Years in Business! 4207 SE Woodstock Blvd #509, Portland, OR 97206 Phone: (503) 244-6933; Fax: (866) 727-5336 general email: news@multnomahpost.com web address: www.swportlandpost.com Editor & Publisher .........Don Snedecor Reporters / Writers .........KC Cowan, Jack Rubinger, ................Erik Vidstrand Copy Editor ......................Janet Goetze Advertising Sales ...........Don Snedecor Graphic Design ..............Leslie Baird Printing ............................Oregon Lithoprint Circulation .......................Rick Hepper © 2018 by The Southwest Portland Post. 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